Midnight Moon Cherry Moonshine 750ML is a 100-proof (50% ABV) flavored corn spirit infused with real cherries, produced by Piedmont Distillers in Madison, North Carolina. What separates this expression from most flavored moonshines is the dual-method cherry integration: whole cherries are used during production and then placed directly into each mason jar, where they steep for several weeks before bottling.Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof) | Origin: North Carolina, USA | Flavored Corn Moonshine | Distillery: Piedmont DistillersProduction & HeritagePiedmont Distillers, established in 2005, holds the distinction of being North Carolina's first legal distillery since Prohibition. The facility carries forward the legacy of Junior Johnson, the legendary NASCAR driver and former moonshiner whose family recipe forms the backbone of the Midnight Moon line. The base spirit is made from a corn mash, distilled three times through traditional copper pot stills, and then cut to 100 proof with filtered water. For the Cherry expression, real cherries play a role at multiple stages—contributing to the spirit's flavor during production and then physically soaking in the finished product inside mason jars, hand-packed in the traditional moonshiner fashion. This extended maceration period allows the fruit to impart deep color, authentic tartness, and a layered sweetness that goes well beyond simple flavoring.Tasting NotesAroma: The nose opens with an intense wave of ripe, fermented cherry—more fruit preserve than candy. Underneath, there is a noticeable corn sweetness and a faint caramel warmth inherited from the base spirit.Taste: On the palate, the entry is distinctly tart cherry, hitting quickly before a mid-palate sweetness develops and rounds out. The corn whiskey backbone surfaces as a subtle caramel note that layers beneath the fruit, keeping the profile grounded. At 100 proof, there is genuine heat, but the cherry infusion softens the blow and provides balance.Finish: Medium in length with lingering cherry tartness and a gentle corn-grain warmth. The soaked-fruit character stays present, fading slowly into a clean, slightly sweet close.How to Drink Midnight Moon CherrySipping chilled or over ice is the most direct way to experience the full cherry infusion; the cold temperature tames the 100-proof heat and amplifies the fruit. This moonshine is also a versatile cocktail ingredient. A Cherry Mule (with ginger beer and lime) plays the tartness against spice for a bright, effervescent drink. A Moonshine Sour (with lemon juice and simple syrup) highlights the natural cherry acidity and creates an approachable, balanced cocktail. For something richer, use it in a Cherry Old Fashioned (with a dash of Angostura bitters and an orange peel), where the fruit-forward profile stands in for both the spirit and the muddled cherry garnish.Best For Introducing friends to flavored moonshine at a backyard cookout or bonfire Building a Southern-themed cocktail menu for a house party Gifting to someone who enjoys fruit-forward spirits but wants real proof behind the flavor Adding to a home bar collection alongside unflavored Midnight Moon for side-by-side tasting Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Midnight Moon Cherry taste like? The dominant flavor is tart, authentic cherry—closer to fresh fruit than artificial candy—layered over a subtle caramel-corn sweetness from the triple-distilled base spirit. At 100 proof, it carries noticeable warmth that balances the fruit's sweetness.How does Midnight Moon Cherry compare to Ole Smoky Moonshine Cherries? Both are cherry-infused corn spirits packaged in mason jars, but Midnight Moon Cherry is bottled at a significantly higher 100 proof (50% ABV), while Ole Smoky Moonshine Cherries typically sits at 50 proof (25% ABV). The higher proof in Midnight Moon gives it a more spirit-forward backbone and greater versatility in cocktails, whereas Ole Smoky leans toward a sweeter, more dessert-like profile.Is Midnight Moon Cherry good for cocktails? Absolutely—the 100-proof strength means it holds its own when mixed with ice and other ingredients without becoming diluted or flat. It works especially well in drinks that call for a fruity, tart component alongside ginger, citrus, or bitters.Where is Midnight Moon Cherry made? It is produced at Piedmont Distillers in Madison, North Carolina, which was founded in 2005 as the state's first legal distillery since Prohibition. The distillery is located in the heart of North Carolina's Piedmont region.What foods pair well with Midnight Moon Cherry? Smoked pork ribs or pulled pork benefit from the cherry tartness cutting through the fat. Dark chocolate desserts complement the fruit's natural sweetness. Sharp cheddar cheese creates an appealing sweet-savory contrast. Grilled stone fruits like peaches or plums echo the cherry notes. Vanilla ice cream drizzled with a small pour makes a simple, effective dessert pairing.What sizes does Midnight Moon Cherry come in? The standard size is the 750ml mason jar bottle, which is the most widely available format.Is Midnight Moon Cherry worth the price? Midnight Moon Cherry positions as a mid-range flavored moonshine that justifies its cost through genuine fruit infusion (rather than artificial flavoring) and a full 100-proof strength, delivering more intensity per bottle than many competitors in the category.Why Midnight Moon Cherry?The defining advantage of this expression is the real-fruit, dual-stage cherry infusion combined with a 100-proof base spirit—a combination that most flavored moonshines at lower proof points simply cannot replicate. The triple-distilled copper pot still process produces a clean corn spirit that serves as a capable canvas for the cherry maceration without competing against it. Piedmont Distillers' connection to Junior Johnson's family recipe lends genuine historical credibility to a category often crowded with novelty products. For anyone seeking a flavored moonshine with actual backbone and authentic fruit character, this remains one of the more serious options on the shelf.
